Audition (2)

"I can't help you out much, but the hint has already been given. Select clothing that highlights the unique beauty of the second female lead while also highlighting the relationship between the male lead and the second female lead. I can only help you choose things that you tell me." The woman reported with a resigned expression.

Valentina thought over the hint again before tentatively asking, "Could you bring me something masculine leaning that fits the time of the film? I want to look like a tomboy. And if possible some hair gel and a comb?"

"Of course, please come with me."

Valentina followed the woman deeper to the back of the room and saw several makeup stations with mirrors and lights. She quickly claimed one for herself and quickly began the arduous process of combing and trying to tame her hair. She slicked her hair down and to the back as much as possible to highlight her angular features and toned down some of the eye makeup on her face. By the time the staff member came back with some clothes, she was panting, and her arms were sore from the effort.

"Here you go." The staff member delivered a stack of clothes to her before retreating. Separating the items, Valentina noted that the woman had brought her long slouchy pants, a fitted long button-up shirt, a simple long peacoat, and high-heeled boots that were all around her side. She quickly changed into the clothes before finding a mirror and examining herself.

With her hair slicked back and the loose yet form-fitting subdued male-styled clothing, she presented an almost androgynous figure that somehow complimented and highlighted her feminine face. With the simple earrings, bright red lipstick, slanted green eyes, and cute upturned nose, she looked gorgeous yet bold. With the heels adding extra height to her figure, she felt she even looked a bit imposing.

Satisfied that her appearance figure of 90/100 was in full effect, she found the staff member and quietly asked her for one more prop.

The prop was quickly delivered and she tucked it into her pocket. Realizing that she had finished 10 minutes before anybody else, Valentina went to wait in a corner and observe the other women. She watched as they wore different styles of dresses that complimented their figures and quickly adjusted their makeup to suit the new glamorous look. Again it seemed that she had gone the opposite way of what people thought so she hoped her ideas were correct.

"Miss Valentina, if you're ready, you can go start your audition." The original staff member who brought her into the room said.

Valentina thought about it and then nodded. She quietly followed the staff member, reviewing the script in her mind and hoping that she would be able to act in a passable manner.

As she walked away, she could see some of the other women whispering and mocking her as she walked by but she just ignored them. Each of them would have to act to their skills and nobody knew who the winner was yet.

They quickly arrived at a different room where the same panel of judges were sitting. In front of them were two chairs facing each other. Standing by one of the chairs was an unfamiliar man.

He looked to be over six feet tall and had handsome classical features. His caramel brown hair was cut short and parted to the side, his face was clean-shaven, and his blue eyes were framed by long, thick lashes. He had a pair of glasses perched on his nose that gave him a distinguished look.

He was dressed similarly to Valentina in a black, fitted three-piece suit that highlighted his slim yet fit figure.

As she examined his face, she thought that it seemed a bit familiar but she knew she had never met him before.

When he caught sight of her looking him over, he smiled charmingly and even winked at her causing her to roll her eyes and look away before catching herself and giving him a fake smile.

Valentina turned away and examined the room before she made her way over to the man. As she walked, she placed her hands in her pockets, made sure her gaze was firm and direct, and swaggered over to where he stood. She turned her gaze and calmly stared at the judges, waiting for them to acknowledge her.

The room was silent before the director nodded in approval. He then opened his mouth and began speaking, "You two will be acting out the scene where Walter(the male lead) confronts Lucrezia (the second female lead) about her actions of bullying the female lead Elena. You'll need to portray the contradiction that the male lead feels between his good memories about Lucrezia and his disgust about Lucrezia's behavior. Valentina you will need to convey Lucrezia making Walter remember his childhood and the relationship they had between them when they were young. You must make Walter falter in his thoughts and bring him back to being your friend through your past connection. Feel free to improv as needed as long as you can keep the essence of the scene."

As the director described what he wanted, Valentina recalled the scene he was talking about. The male lead and second female lead Walter and Lucrezia had just had a fight after Lucrezia bullied Elena the female lead at a banquet. Walter had followed Lucrezia out to confront her about her behavior, but she was unrepentant. After a brief argument, the two eventually reconciled much to the jealousy of Elena.

"Now both of you, begin!"

Audition Scene 

Valentina coolly stared at Walter before looking away. She grabbed the chair and flipped it around, sitting while resting her hands on the back of the chair. In her hands was a box of cigarettes that she fiddled with in boredom while not looking at Walter. Although her full face could not be seen, her red lips pouted and it was clear that she was sulking. 

"Lucrezia, I've warned you many times to leave Elena alone. She's not like you! She's…"

"She's what?" Valentina replied in a husky tone as she did her best to recall the lines. She stared up at the man and seeing him hesitate, she smiled sardonically before continuing, "Delicate, soft, fragile?"

"…Yes, so stop harassing her. You know that you're stronger than her. If you don't, I won't forgive you." Walter continued, before looking away.

"Walter. Look at me." Valentina ordered in a stern voice.

Walter glanced at the woman, noticing her beauty as she focused solely on him. He gazed at the beautiful slender figure, the complete opposite of Elena. Where Elena had soft curves, soft smiles, and golden radiance, Lucrezia was dark, full of sharp smiles and even sharper remarks. They had grown up together and yet she had grown to be unfamiliar to him. She had grown up to be somebody who rebelled against everyone and targeted the one he cared about.

"Walter, I'm not against your love. I'm just against you throwing away our friendship. It hurts that you don't believe me." She sighed before tossing around the packet of cigarettes, shaking it while giving him a sad smile.

"Remember when we first started smoking these?"

"We stole them from my father's office." Walter reluctantly responded.

"And coughed so hard when we first tried them. I almost threw up." Valentina laughed softly as she glanced up at him, her eyes curved with a hidden emotion.

"Then my butler caught us and reported us. And you took the blame so I wouldn't get in trouble. Father was furious and banned you from the house for months. Your parents grounded you for so long." Walter murmured lost in the memory. That was back when they were close. Before things had changed between them.

"Yet you would sneak into my house and bring me my favorite pastries. Do you still remember my order?" Valentina asked him.

"Of course! How could I ever forget? Raspberry cream tart with a chocolate shell. Extra cream. Hold the mint."

"Hold the mint."

The two of them finished simultaneously as Valentina gave him a brilliant smile.

Neither of them said anything, though they both thought about the situation. They had gotten into so much trouble when they were younger and had spent the time covering up for each other. Best of friends. Through thick and thin. If no one else was there, I would have your back. That was the basis of their friendship.

"I can't allow you to hurt her Lucrezia." Walter firmed up his tone as he focused on the beautiful woman in front of him. Although he recalled the good times that they had before, someone else was his focus and priority now.

Valentina laughed lightly before pulling out a cigarette from the box. She placed it in her shapely mouth and tilted her face towards Walter, giving him a challenging expression. 

"Light it up for me? One last time?"